Trimming Trees and Hedges Safely and Effectively

Spring is just around the corner, so i will be covering plenty of DIY tips related to gardening. Although im not naturally green fingered - i hope some of these gardening tips are of use! First up trees and hedges:

Trees and hedges tend to be neglected in favour of borders, pots and baskets of bedding plants, but they need regular attention to keep them, and your garden, looking their best.  Fortunately, these days, the correct tools can be hired for very little cost, so you don’t have to call in the professionals.

Once you have worked out a plan of action, you will then have to ensure that you are armed with the right equipment. Simple pruning shears, for instance, will not deal with the thick old woody stems of, say, a well-established hydrangea. Using the wrong tools will not only make the job a lot harder than it needs to be, it may also cause irreparable damage to your plants. A quick trip to the local hire shop will determine whether you need hedge trimmers, lopping shears, a chainsaw and even a shredder to help you dispose of the waste.  Along with the tools for the jobs in hand, you may also have to wear personal protective equipment such as goggles, ear defenders, thick gloves and, for using a chainsaw, protective trousers. At all times, keep safety in mind, using power circuit-breakers for electrical equipment, standing on level surfaces, using equipment correctly, and so on.

Hedges and trees need regular maintenance to ensure that they enhance your garden, not cause problems. Some may be blocking essential light to certain areas and will need either thinning out or even removing. Hedges that have been allowed to run riot will be full of accumulated dead branches and leaves, and will be great hiding places for all sorts of unwanted garden pests. It’s a good idea, if possible, to keep hedges to a height that is easily reached without having to use ladders. Really overgrown hedges should be tackled in small sections at a time to prevent making the hedge trimmers work too hard. Run the trimmers over the hedge in a sweeping arc-shaped movement, stopping every now and again to gather up the trimmings into a neat pile away from the area in which you are working.  Thick branches may need sawing – either by hand or chainsaw; thinner ones can be removed with lopping shears.

Chainsaws are an excellent way to maintain your garden.

Dealing with trees may involve the use of chainsaws, one of the most dangerous tools available - safety must always be uppermost in the user’s mind. Before use, check the oil and fuel levels, the blade, and the tension of the chain; wear the appropriate protection, and do not leave the chainsaw running when it is not in use, however inconvenient this may be. Use a light sawing movement, without applying too much pressure – let the chainsaw do all the work. Work on one branch at a time; do not try and do too much in one go. Clear up as you go. If you intend using a shredder for the waste trimmings, apply the same safety rules as you would when using the chainsaw.

As long as you take the right precautions, using the correct tools for the job will not only save money, it will reward you with a job well done.